Stressing that their &#39;hardline policy remains unchanged&#39;, the Taliban rejected reports of secret meetings with the Afghan government in a bid to resume peace talks, international news agency AFP reported today.&nbsp;

A report in Britain&#39;s Guardian newspaper on Tuesday stated that Afghan government and Taliban &quot;restarted secret peace talks in September and have held two rounds of discussions in Qatar&quot;. &nbsp;The talks were attended by Mullah Abdull Manan Akhund, brother of Taliban founder and long-time leader Mullah Omar who died in 2013, the report further said.&nbsp;

But AFP quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying: &quot;The representatives of the Islamic Emirate have not met with Stanekzai or any other officials. Our stance about the negotiations has not changed. Our policy is very clear on that,&quot; Mujahid said, referring to the Taliban`s official title.&quot; &nbsp; The international news agency said that he denied any reports of talks or meetings in a statement released by the Islamic fundamentalist organisation.&nbsp;

The Taliban have long insisted on the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan as a precondition for peace talks with the government, AFP observes.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Islamic fundamentalist organisation insisted that its 'hardline policy remains unchanged'

Stressing that their 'hardline policy remains unchanged', the Taliban rejected reports of secret meetings with the Afghan government in a bid to resume peace talks, international news agency AFP reported today. A report in Britain's Guardian newspaper on Tuesday stated that Afghan government and Taliban "restarted secret peace talks in September and have held two rounds of discussions in Qatar". The talks were attended by Mullah Abdull Manan Akhund, brother of Taliban founder and long-time leader Mullah Omar who died in 2013, the report further said. But AFP quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying: "The representatives of the Islamic Emirate have not met with Stanekzai or any other officials. Our stance about the negotiations has not changed. Our policy is very clear on that," Mujahid said, referring to the Taliban`s official title." The international news agency said that he denied any reports of talks or meetings in a statement released by the Islamic fundamentalist organisation. The Taliban have long insisted on the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan as a precondition for peace talks with the government, AFP observes. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Taliban rejects reports of 'peace talks' with Afghanistan

Hailing the valour of the Indian Army, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the surgical strikes against terror launch pads last month have shown they are no less than anybody.&nbsp;

Modi likened the army&#39;s operation to Israel&#39;s exploits, which is known for its targeted military strikes against enemy countries and militant outfits.&nbsp;

&quot;Everyone is talking about our Army, we used to hear about similar feats of Israel. But now everyone knows the Indian Army is no less,&quot; he said while addressing a rally in the poll-bound northern state of Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Modi dismissed allegations that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had taken the issue of surgical strikes to the masses for political benefits. He refuted the charge saying it was only to boost the army&#39;s morale.&nbsp;

The prime minister underscored his commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, saying his government had succeeded in fulfilling the promise of &quot;One-Rank, One-Pension&quot; for ex-servicemen, after a wait of over 40 years for their rights. &nbsp;

The OROP scheme was a long standing demand of the Indian Armed Forces for pay-pension equity on the concept of &quot;same pension, for same rank, for same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement&quot;.

Modi said his government had already released the first of the four installments to execute the scheme.&nbsp;

In Mandi to launch three hydro-power projects, Modi described the state as the land of bravehearts and said there is a tradition of joining Army in every family.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to go to election next year along with his home state of Gujarat, in western India.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Praising the Indian Army for its operation against terror launch pads, Modi said the feat is no less than Israel's military operations

Hailing the valour of the Indian Army, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the surgical strikes against terror launch pads last month have shown they are no less than anybody. Modi likened the army's operation to Israel's exploits, which is known for its targeted military strikes against enemy countries and militant outfits. "Everyone is talking about our Army, we used to hear about similar feats of Israel. But now everyone knows the Indian Army is no less," he said while addressing a rally in the poll-bound northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Modi dismissed allegations that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had taken the issue of surgical strikes to the masses for political benefits. He refuted the charge saying it was only to boost the army's morale. The prime minister underscored his commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, saying his government had succeeded in fulfilling the promise of "One-Rank, One-Pension" for ex-servicemen, after a wait of over 40 years for their rights. The OROP scheme was a long standing demand of the Indian Armed Forces for pay-pension equity on the concept of "same pension, for same rank, for same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement". Modi said his government had already released the first of the four installments to execute the scheme. In Mandi to launch three hydro-power projects, Modi described the state as the land of bravehearts and said there is a tradition of joining Army in every family. Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to go to election next year along with his home state of Gujarat, in western India. (WION with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi hails Indian Army's bravery, equates surgical strikes with Israel's exploits

During its visit to Maldives, a Pakistani delegation carried what seems to be a targeted &quot;campaign&quot; against India. Pakistan senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, in his meeting with the President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Monday stressed that Pakistan was committed to ensuring peace and stability in the South Asian region.&nbsp;

&quot;Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires peace in the region for stability, well-being and alleviation of poverty in the region,&quot; he said at the meeting, accompanied by the Pakistani delegation which included senator Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Khosa, senator Najmul Hassan and Pakistan&rsquo;s ambassador in the Maldives.

He blamed India of &quot;fostering unrest&quot; and &quot;continuing to sponsor state terrorism in Pakistan&quot; and said that despite such provocations Pakistan looks for lasting peace in the region, in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.&nbsp;

Rabbani told the Maldives president that recently a serving Indian naval commander Kulbhushan Yadav was arrested in Pakistan. &quot;This along with other steps being taken by India clearly show its expansion designs in the region.&quot;&nbsp;

It comes at a time when the regional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, that was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November, had been cancelled over the ongoing tensions between the two regional powers, India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The senate chair told the Maldives president that Pakistan respected their decision to leave the Commonwealth, but stressed on the need to continue constructive engagements.&nbsp;

Rabbani, in his meeting with the speaker of People&rsquo;s Majlis (Parliament of the Maldives), &nbsp;Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, on Sunday accused India of using the SAARC platform to further its political agenda against Pakistan.

Pakistan called upon other SAARC countries to reassess the group&#39;s role, particularly, keeping &quot;India&#39;s attitude&quot; in mind. Rabbani said, &quot;any one country should not be permitted to monopolise the forum.&quot; According to the Senate statement, he further emphasised that it would be appropriate for SAARC member states to censor such a move in the future.&nbsp;

Rabbani also highlighted the gross violation of human rights and international laws by India in Jammu and Kashmir, in both his meetings with the Maldivian President as well as the speaker of the People&rsquo;s Majlis.&nbsp;

&quot;He further brought to the notice of the speaker the use of pellet bullets and the loss of eyesight of innocent children. He stated that over 90 days have passed and the valley continued to be under curfew, innocent men, women and children have lost their lives. When all they are demanding is the implementation of the UN resolutions granting them the right of self-determination,&quot; the statement by the senate of Pakistan said.&nbsp;

Maldives, which claims to have an &#39;India first foreign policy&#39;, refrained from including Pakistan&#39;s observations in any official statement by its authourities. Both the President&#39;s office and the People&#39;s Majlis, only stated the discussions to strengthen bilateral ties between Maldives and Pakistan.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Making a case against India, a Pakistani delegation on a visit to Maldives blamed India of 'fostering unrest' in the South Asian region

During its visit to Maldives, a Pakistani delegation carried what seems to be a targeted "campaign" against India. Pakistan senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, in his meeting with the President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Monday stressed that Pakistan was committed to ensuring peace and stability in the South Asian region. "Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires peace in the region for stability, well-being and alleviation of poverty in the region," he said at the meeting, accompanied by the Pakistani delegation which included senator Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Khosa, senator Najmul Hassan and Pakistan’s ambassador in the Maldives. He blamed India of "fostering unrest" and "continuing to sponsor state terrorism in Pakistan" and said that despite such provocations Pakistan looks for lasting peace in the region, in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. Rabbani told the Maldives president that recently a serving Indian naval commander Kulbhushan Yadav was arrested in Pakistan. "This along with other steps being taken by India clearly show its expansion designs in the region." It comes at a time when the regional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, that was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November, had been cancelled over the ongoing tensions between the two regional powers, India and Pakistan. The senate chair told the Maldives president that Pakistan respected their decision to leave the Commonwealth, but stressed on the need to continue constructive engagements. Rabbani, in his meeting with the speaker of People’s Majlis (Parliament of the Maldives), Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, on Sunday accused India of using the SAARC platform to further its political agenda against Pakistan. Pakistan called upon other SAARC countries to reassess the group's role, particularly, keeping "India's attitude" in mind. Rabbani said, "any one country should not be permitted to monopolise the forum." According to the Senate statement, he further emphasised that it would be appropriate for SAARC member states to censor such a move in the future. Rabbani also highlighted the gross violation of human rights and international laws by India in Jammu and Kashmir, in both his meetings with the Maldivian President as well as the speaker of the People’s Majlis. "He further brought to the notice of the speaker the use of pellet bullets and the loss of eyesight of innocent children. He stated that over 90 days have passed and the valley continued to be under curfew, innocent men, women and children have lost their lives. When all they are demanding is the implementation of the UN resolutions granting them the right of self-determination," the statement by the senate of Pakistan said. Maldives, which claims to have an 'India first foreign policy', refrained from including Pakistan's observations in any official statement by its authourities. Both the President's office and the People's Majlis, only stated the discussions to strengthen bilateral ties between Maldives and Pakistan. (WION)

Pakistan blames India for 'instability' in region, calls for reassessment of SAARC's role

By Abhishek Bhalla

There has been an alarming surge in militant&nbsp;infiltrations from across Pakistan border, Indian authorities said.

Eighty-seven cross-border infiltrations have been reported so far this year, while the tally last year was 10, an unnamed official&nbsp;said.

Insiders warn that the situation is going to get worse as Pakistan-based militants are planning to launch retaliatory attacks following the surgical strikes allegedly conducted by India last month.

&ldquo;The infiltration attempts are still continuing,&rdquo; said a government official when asked whether India&#39;s strikes on the other side of Line of Control (LoC is a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan) has deterred militants in Pakistan.

The assessment of infiltrations increasing is based on ground intelligence from civilians, intercepts and evidence of fence-cutting in some areas.

Sources said the number of Pakistan-based militants who have been killed this year has also increased due to the jump in infiltration bids. Last year, in the corresponding period, around 70 militants were gunned down, while the tally this year is 128. The Indian army has killed 120 militants and the remaining eight were gunned down by either the paramilitary, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or the local police.

Sources said a number of infiltrations have occurred along the LoC and it seems militants are going back to the old routes used for surreptitiously entering&nbsp;Indian territory. In 2013 and 2014, there had been increased infiltration bids from new routes along the International Border (IB).

Fears of&nbsp;recruitment by Pakistan-based militant groups&nbsp;has also alarmed Indian security forces. It is estimated that around 100 men have gone missing in the last three months.

Kashmir causes worry

Violent protests in India&#39;s Kashmir has also been a cause of worry for Indian security forces.

More than 100 arms have been looted by agitators following Hizbul Mujahideen local commander Burhan Wani&#39;s death in an encounter by Indian forces. Sources said militants are looting weapons to arm the new recruits.

Wani&rsquo;s killing on July 8 triggered mass protests across Kashmir. Over 80 have died and thousands wounded ever since the upheaval sparked off in the Valley three months ago.&nbsp;

Pakistan &#39;plugging&#39; border gaps

Intelligence inputs also indicate that after India&rsquo;s surgical strikes, the Pakistani Army has carried out &ldquo;precautionary deployment&rdquo; all along the LoC, as they fear another round of strikes from Indian forces.

&ldquo;Soon after our raids, they have increased deployment in areas they consider vulnerable. Precautionary deployment is roughly 25 per cent of a full mobilisation aimed to plug the gaps,&rdquo; said an unnamed intelligence officer.

(WION with inputs from DNA)

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian security forces fear that infiltration bids may rise further as Pakistan-based militant groups are currently on a recruitment spree

By Abhishek Bhalla There has been an alarming surge in militant infiltrations from across Pakistan border, Indian authorities said. Eighty-seven cross-border infiltrations have been reported so far this year, while the tally last year was 10, an unnamed official said. Insiders warn that the situation is going to get worse as Pakistan-based militants are planning to launch retaliatory attacks following the surgical strikes allegedly conducted by India last month. “The infiltration attempts are still continuing,” said a government official when asked whether India's strikes on the other side of Line of Control (LoC is a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan) has deterred militants in Pakistan. The assessment of infiltrations increasing is based on ground intelligence from civilians, intercepts and evidence of fence-cutting in some areas. Sources said the number of Pakistan-based militants who have been killed this year has also increased due to the jump in infiltration bids. Last year, in the corresponding period, around 70 militants were gunned down, while the tally this year is 128. The Indian army has killed 120 militants and the remaining eight were gunned down by either the paramilitary, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or the local police. Sources said a number of infiltrations have occurred along the LoC and it seems militants are going back to the old routes used for surreptitiously entering Indian territory. In 2013 and 2014, there had been increased infiltration bids from new routes along the International Border (IB). Fears of recruitment by Pakistan-based militant groups has also alarmed Indian security forces. It is estimated that around 100 men have gone missing in the last three months. Kashmir causes worry Violent protests in India's Kashmir has also been a cause of worry for Indian security forces. More than 100 arms have been looted by agitators following Hizbul Mujahideen local commander Burhan Wani's death in an encounter by Indian forces. Sources said militants are looting weapons to arm the new recruits. Wani’s killing on July 8 triggered mass protests across Kashmir. Over 80 have died and thousands wounded ever since the upheaval sparked off in the Valley three months ago. Pakistan 'plugging' border gaps Intelligence inputs also indicate that after India’s surgical strikes, the Pakistani Army has carried out “precautionary deployment” all along the LoC, as they fear another round of strikes from Indian forces. “Soon after our raids, they have increased deployment in areas they consider vulnerable. Precautionary deployment is roughly 25 per cent of a full mobilisation aimed to plug the gaps,” said an unnamed intelligence officer. (WION with inputs from DNA)

Nearly nine-fold surge in militant infiltrations from across Pakistan border: India

Pakistan&#39;s long-standing ally, China came out in its defence after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s remarks touting its neighbour as the &quot;mothership of terrorism&quot; at the BRICS Summit in Goa yesterday. &nbsp;

&quot;China is opposed to linking any country or religion with terror,&quot; the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry Hua Chunying said in a sharp reaction when questioned about Modi&#39;s remarks.&nbsp;

Beijing asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan&#39;s &quot;great sacrifices&quot; in combating terrorism and said that India and Pakistan are &quot;all victims of terrorism&quot;. China said it hoped that the two neighbours of China could resolve their differences in a peaceful manner through dialogue and consultation to serve the interests of both countries and the region.&nbsp;

To another query about Modi&#39;s criticism that Pakistan continues to aid and abet terror groups opposed to India, China maintained that its position on counter-terrorism is consistent, she said, &quot;we oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries.&quot;

On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit with BRICS leaders had made a veiled attack on its neighbour Pakistan, calling it the &quot;mothership of terrorism&quot;.

He urged the leaders to collectively fight the global terror threat, and eradicate the sources of terror funding. He also asked the countries to adopt a &quot;holistic&quot; approach in successfully combating terrorism.

The Goa declaration issued at the end of the summit agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After Indian PM blamed Pakistan of aiding & abetting terrorists, China urged the world to note Pakistan's 'sacrifices' in combating terror

Pakistan's long-standing ally, China came out in its defence after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks touting its neighbour as the "mothership of terrorism" at the BRICS Summit in Goa yesterday. "China is opposed to linking any country or religion with terror," the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry Hua Chunying said in a sharp reaction when questioned about Modi's remarks. Beijing asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan's "great sacrifices" in combating terrorism and said that India and Pakistan are "all victims of terrorism". China said it hoped that the two neighbours of China could resolve their differences in a peaceful manner through dialogue and consultation to serve the interests of both countries and the region. To another query about Modi's criticism that Pakistan continues to aid and abet terror groups opposed to India, China maintained that its position on counter-terrorism is consistent, she said, "we oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries." On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit with BRICS leaders had made a veiled attack on its neighbour Pakistan, calling it the "mothership of terrorism". He urged the leaders to collectively fight the global terror threat, and eradicate the sources of terror funding. He also asked the countries to adopt a "holistic" approach in successfully combating terrorism. The Goa declaration issued at the end of the summit agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India, Pakistan are both victims of terrorism: China defends ally after Modi's 'mothership' remark

Top diplomat Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan joins BRICS nations in condemning terrorism

A day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an indirect reference to Pakistan and made the 'mothership of terrorism' remark at BRICS Summit 2016, a top diplomat from Pakistan today lashed out saying that India has no right to point fingers. Sartaj Aziz, the foreign affairs adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said that India has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism efforts, Indian news agency ANI reported. In a statement released by Pakistan's foreign ministry, Aziz said: "Modi is misleading his BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and BIMSTEC (The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) colleagues." Aziz alleged that the Indian leadership was desperately trying to hide what he termed as "brutalities" in Kashmir. "The UN and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism," Aziz was quoted as saying by ANI. He also said the UN has repeatedly stressed that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state. Aziz said that Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment in fighting the menace of terrorism without discrimination. He alleged that Pakistan is a victim of "Indian interference and subversive activities, which are aimed at destabilising the country". Indian Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit on Sunday, launched an indirect attack at Pakistan saying, "Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood." "Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn. has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state-sponsored terrorism is long gone," he said. The two South Asian neighbours have been engaged in war of words over the past few weeks in the wake of ongoing unrest in Kashmir Valley, September 18 Uri attack that killed 19 soldiers and ensuing surgical strikes by Indian Army in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Both the countries have also been accusing each other of ceasefire violations. While a senior Indian Army official was quoted as saying in media reports on Sunday that there have been more than 25 ceasefire violations by Pakistan since September 29 surgical strikes, Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakria said today that there India has committed more than 90 ceasefire violations in 2016. #LoCViolationsbyIndia India again resorts 2unprovoked firing at LoC; during 2016 India violated ceasefire more than 90 times.This #must stop — M. Nafees Zakaria (@ForeignOfficePk) October 17, 2016 × (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian PM misleading BRICS colleagues: Pakistan on 'mothership of terrorism' remark

Eight al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, who were plotting to target atomic installations and offices of intelligence agencies, were killed by Pakistani security forces in the country&#39;s relatively peaceful Punjab province, officials said today.

&nbsp;

Punjab police&#39;s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said their officials were working on the&nbsp;intelligence input that the terrorists&nbsp;were planning to attack a Shia procession near Multan district, about 350 kilometres from Lahore.

&nbsp;

CTD officials and other security agencies conducted combing operations in Shujaabad area of the district.

&nbsp;

During these operations, the CTD team learnt that the terrorists&nbsp;belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda had moved to Dera Ghazi Khan.

&nbsp;

&quot;Yesterday, when a CTD team raided the suspects&#39; hideout in Dera Ghazi Khan the terrorists opened fire and hurled hand-grenades. The CTD team retaliated in self-defence. When the firing stopped, eight terrorists were found dead,&quot; it said.

&nbsp;

Three terrorists&nbsp;managed to escape, officials said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the official sources said the terrorists had stored a &quot;good amount of ammunition&quot; including Kalashnikovs, hand grenades and explosives at their hideout in Tonmi Road of DG Khan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(PTI)&nbsp;

The terrorists were plotting to target atomic installations and offices of intelligence agencies, Punjab police said

Eight al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, who were plotting to target atomic installations and offices of intelligence agencies, were killed by Pakistani security forces in the country's relatively peaceful Punjab province, officials said today. Punjab police's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said their officials were working on the intelligence input that the terrorists were planning to attack a Shia procession near Multan district, about 350 kilometres from Lahore. CTD officials and other security agencies conducted combing operations in Shujaabad area of the district. During these operations, the CTD team learnt that the terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda had moved to Dera Ghazi Khan. "Yesterday, when a CTD team raided the suspects' hideout in Dera Ghazi Khan the terrorists opened fire and hurled hand-grenades. The CTD team retaliated in self-defence. When the firing stopped, eight terrorists were found dead," it said. Three terrorists managed to escape, officials said. Meanwhile, the official sources said the terrorists had stored a "good amount of ammunition" including Kalashnikovs, hand grenades and explosives at their hideout in Tonmi Road of DG Khan. (PTI)

Eight terrorists killed in Pakistan's Punjab: Officials

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday.

Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.

With the summit&nbsp;taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that &quot;one single nation in South Asia&quot; is spreading &quot;agents of terror&quot; in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri &quot;is a living proof of Pakistan&#39;s complicity in cross-border terror&quot;.

Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event.

Indian officials have made it clear that India&#39;s effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.&nbsp;

&quot;Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions,&quot; Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said.

During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition.

Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries.

The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports.

The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. 
&nbsp;

Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise the issue with Russian President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday. Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue. With the summit taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them. India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri "is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror". Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event. Indian officials have made it clear that India's effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances. "Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions," Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said. During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition. Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries. The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports. The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues. (PTI)

India expected to continue diplomatic offensive against Pak terror at BRICS summit

India is expected to continue&nbsp;its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it hosts the leaders&nbsp;of&nbsp;BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries&nbsp;this Sunday in the western state of Goa.

Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Russia&#39;s Putin and China&#39;s Xi on Saturday, when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.&nbsp;But across the summit table at a resort hotel, Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to have much interest in casting Beijing&#39;s alliance with Pakistan into doubt.

With the Summits taking place within weeks of the Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation&nbsp;(BIMSTEC) outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

India has made strong references both at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)&nbsp;as well as the G-20 regarding Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism.

&quot;We will be looking at the global economic and political situation, and obviously terrorism is a very important part of that,&quot; Amar Sinha, the Indian foreign ministry official responsible for the BRICS file, told a pre-summit briefing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that &quot;one single nation in South Asia&quot; is spreading &quot;agents of terror&quot; in the region and it must be isolated. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri &quot;is a living proof of Pakistan&#39;s complicity in cross-border terror&quot;.

New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive&nbsp;BIMSTEC&nbsp;when the&nbsp;Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation&nbsp;(SAARC) Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event.

Indian officials have made it clear that India&#39;s effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.&nbsp;

The final summit declaration is expected to repeat earlier condemnations of &quot;terrorism in all its forms&quot;, say diplomats and analysts, but avoid levelling blame over tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals.

&nbsp;

Not Just a &#39;Jolly Partner&#39;

Where Modi and Xi may see eye to eye, at least privately, is in a shared desire for Islamabad to restrain Islamist militants who, in Beijing&#39;s view, pose a threat to China&#39;s plans to build a $46 billion trade corridor that runs through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea.

&quot;Contrary to the public messaging in Islamabad, China is not the perpetual jolly partner when it comes to its relations with Pakistan,&quot; said Michael Kugelman, a senior program associate at the Wilson Center in Washington who focuses on South Asia.&nbsp;&quot;With China&#39;s investments and economic assets growing in Pakistan, it&#39;s only natural that it would worry. All militants, whether &#39;good&#39; or &#39;bad&#39; as characterised by Pakistan, threaten stability and by extension China&#39;s economic interests.&quot;

In addition to launching what it described as cross-border &quot;surgical strikes&quot; against suspected militants in Pakistan, in response to a September&nbsp;18 attack on an army base that killed 19 Indian soldiers, New Delhi has mounted a diplomatic offensive to isolate Islamabad.

Pakistan has denied any part in the attack on the Uri army base, near the de facto border that runs through the disputed territory of Kashmir. It also denies any &quot;surgical strikes&quot; took place, saying there was only border firing that is relatively common along the frontier.

Islamabad says India has exploited the incident to divert attention from its own security crackdown on protests sparked by the killing of a popular separatist militant leader.

More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands wounded in India&#39;s part of Kashmir, and a widespread curfew has been imposed.

&nbsp;

Expressions of Support

After the Uri attack, India quickly won expressions of support from the West and from Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin will also hold a bilateral summit with Modi in Goa.&nbsp;China, for its part, has shown public restraint.&nbsp;Zhao Gancheng, director of South Asia studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, said that China and Pakistan were paying close attention to security threats to the trade corridor.

&quot;If Pakistan&#39;s security situation does not improve, it will obstruct some of these projects,&nbsp;especially infrastructure ones,&quot; said Zhao. &quot;In this sense, cooperation on counter-terrorism is very close.&quot;

India has already engineered the collapse of a South Asian regional summit to have been hosted by Pakistan, and the Goa gathering will also feature an outreach session to countries from the Bay of Bengal region that could emerge as an alternative focus of regional cooperation.

&nbsp;

Working Groups

BRICS leaders will support plans agreed to by their national security advisers to create three working groups to cooperate on cyber security, counter-terrorism and energy security, said Sinha, the Indian foreign ministry official.

But diplomats and analysts say that India&#39;s long-held ambition of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a club of nuclear-trading nations, is unlikely to progress at Goa with China yet to soften its blocking stance.

And, despite concerns about militancy within Pakistan, China has rebuffed India&#39;s calls for the United Nations to designate Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed group that India blames for recent cross-border attacks, as a terrorist.

China recently extended a so-called &quot;hold&quot; on the designation by a further three months.

That reflects an evolving rivalry between the world&#39;s two most populous nations in which, under Modi, India is seeking to close huge economic and military gaps and is shifting away from traditional non-alignment and seeking a closer partnership with the United States.

At the same time, China is expanding its economic and strategic reach into the Indian Ocean region, with Xi visiting Bangladesh on Friday en route to Goa, where he is expected to sign loans worth $24 billion.

&quot;Overall, it will be an awkward summit,&quot; said Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.

He added that, for India, &quot;diplomatic isolation of Pakistan will be the most important objective.&quot;

(Agencies)

We will be looking at the global economic and political situation and obviously terrorism is a very important part of that: Indian official

India is expected to continue its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it hosts the leaders of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries this Sunday in the western state of Goa. Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Russia's Putin and China's Xi on Saturday, when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue. But across the summit table at a resort hotel, Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to have much interest in casting Beijing's alliance with Pakistan into doubt. With the Summits taking place within weeks of the Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them. India has made strong references both at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as well as the G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. "We will be looking at the global economic and political situation, and obviously terrorism is a very important part of that," Amar Sinha, the Indian foreign ministry official responsible for the BRICS file, told a pre-summit briefing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri "is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror". New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive BIMSTEC when the Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event. Indian officials have made it clear that India's effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances. The final summit declaration is expected to repeat earlier condemnations of "terrorism in all its forms", say diplomats and analysts, but avoid levelling blame over tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals. Not Just a 'Jolly Partner' Where Modi and Xi may see eye to eye, at least privately, is in a shared desire for Islamabad to restrain Islamist militants who, in Beijing's view, pose a threat to China's plans to build a $46 billion trade corridor that runs through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea. "Contrary to the public messaging in Islamabad, China is not the perpetual jolly partner when it comes to its relations with Pakistan," said Michael Kugelman, a senior program associate at the Wilson Center in Washington who focuses on South Asia. "With China's investments and economic assets growing in Pakistan, it's only natural that it would worry. All militants, whether 'good' or 'bad' as characterised by Pakistan, threaten stability and by extension China's economic interests." In addition to launching what it described as cross-border "surgical strikes" against suspected militants in Pakistan, in response to a September 18 attack on an army base that killed 19 Indian soldiers, New Delhi has mounted a diplomatic offensive to isolate Islamabad. Pakistan has denied any part in the attack on the Uri army base, near the de facto border that runs through the disputed territory of Kashmir. It also denies any "surgical strikes" took place, saying there was only border firing that is relatively common along the frontier. Islamabad says India has exploited the incident to divert attention from its own security crackdown on protests sparked by the killing of a popular separatist militant leader. More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands wounded in India's part of Kashmir, and a widespread curfew has been imposed. Expressions of Support After the Uri attack, India quickly won expressions of support from the West and from Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin will also hold a bilateral summit with Modi in Goa. China, for its part, has shown public restraint. Zhao Gancheng, director of South Asia studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, said that China and Pakistan were paying close attention to security threats to the trade corridor. "If Pakistan's security situation does not improve, it will obstruct some of these projects, especially infrastructure ones," said Zhao. "In this sense, cooperation on counter-terrorism is very close." India has already engineered the collapse of a South Asian regional summit to have been hosted by Pakistan, and the Goa gathering will also feature an outreach session to countries from the Bay of Bengal region that could emerge as an alternative focus of regional cooperation. Working Groups BRICS leaders will support plans agreed to by their national security advisers to create three working groups to cooperate on cyber security, counter-terrorism and energy security, said Sinha, the Indian foreign ministry official. But diplomats and analysts say that India's long-held ambition of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a club of nuclear-trading nations, is unlikely to progress at Goa with China yet to soften its blocking stance. And, despite concerns about militancy within Pakistan, China has rebuffed India's calls for the United Nations to designate Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed group that India blames for recent cross-border attacks, as a terrorist. China recently extended a so-called "hold" on the designation by a further three months. That reflects an evolving rivalry between the world's two most populous nations in which, under Modi, India is seeking to close huge economic and military gaps and is shifting away from traditional non-alignment and seeking a closer partnership with the United States. At the same time, China is expanding its economic and strategic reach into the Indian Ocean region, with Xi visiting Bangladesh on Friday en route to Goa, where he is expected to sign loans worth $24 billion. "Overall, it will be an awkward summit," said Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. He added that, for India, "diplomatic isolation of Pakistan will be the most important objective." (Agencies)

South Asian tensions seen dominating BRICS summit in India

Shiv Sena, a&nbsp;Hindu right-wing&nbsp;political party,&nbsp;today said that All India Muslim Personal Law Board&#39;s (AIMPLB) opposition to uniform civil code (UCC) is not in favour of the nation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;In the interest of the nation and in the interest of the Muslim community Indian civil code must be imposed in the country, only then the nation will agree that the Muslim people are true citizen of this country and they want to be included in the contrived decision and abide by the Constitution of India,&quot; Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Muslim personal law board on Thursday announced its decision to boycott a Law Commission of India questionnaire that sought a&nbsp;public vote on whether uniform civil code (the proposal to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India) should be imposed in the country. The questionnaire also sought a public opinion on triple talaq, &nbsp;which according to Islamic law based on the Quran permits a husband to pronounce talaq three times to instantly divorce his wife.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Raut further stressed that unless the Muslim community continues to follow the strict rules and regulation of other Islamic countries, people of India will continue to look upon them with suspicion, ANI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;To the government also, I want to say that their decision should not be based on the fact as to what will these Muslim organisation think regarding this. This is the issue of national interest. The government should take a decision on this,&quot; he was quoted as saying by the news agency.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Last week, an affidavit was also filed in the Supreme Court by India&#39;s law ministry that said that triple talaq violates women&#39;s rights.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Religious persecution will not be tolerated in India: India&#39;s interior minister&nbsp;

As the Muslim community continues to accuse the Narendra Modi-led Indian government of violating their rights by trying to impose a uniform civil code, India&#39;s interior minister said today that &#39;religious persecution will never be allowed in the country&#39;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Speaking at a meeting of Christian leaders organised by India Christian Council, interior minister Rajnath Singh described India as a &#39;university of tolerance&#39;, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;Tolerance is essential for peaceful existence. People from all religions live peacefully in India and practise their religion without any fear of discrimination. That is why India is a university of tolerance,&quot; Singh was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;All important religions find place in India,&quot; he said and added that people from all religions get respect and it is the only country where all sects of Islam are found.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He also referred to the incidents of attacks on churches in the&nbsp;national capital of Delhi ahead of assembly elections last year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;There were incidents of attacks on churches in Delhi which came up in the run-up to elections (to Delhi Assembly). &nbsp;But I would like to say that religious persecution will never be allowed in India whether it is before or after the (upcoming) elections (in several Indian states including northern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab).&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Targeting Pakistan he said: It is very unfortunate that some countries make terrorism a state policy. There can be differences between people that can be resolved through dialogue but not by taking up guns.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;The nation (Pakistan) separated from it declared itself a theocratic state. That country uses terrorism as a state policy,&quot; &nbsp;PTI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid remarks by the Hindu right-wing party, Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh said, 'Tolerance is essential for peaceful existence'

Shiv Sena, a Hindu right-wing political party, today said that All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) opposition to uniform civil code (UCC) is not in favour of the nation. "In the interest of the nation and in the interest of the Muslim community Indian civil code must be imposed in the country, only then the nation will agree that the Muslim people are true citizen of this country and they want to be included in the contrived decision and abide by the Constitution of India," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told Indian news agency ANI. The Muslim personal law board on Thursday announced its decision to boycott a Law Commission of India questionnaire that sought a public vote on whether uniform civil code (the proposal to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India) should be imposed in the country. The questionnaire also sought a public opinion on triple talaq, which according to Islamic law based on the Quran permits a husband to pronounce talaq three times to instantly divorce his wife. Raut further stressed that unless the Muslim community continues to follow the strict rules and regulation of other Islamic countries, people of India will continue to look upon them with suspicion, ANI reported. "To the government also, I want to say that their decision should not be based on the fact as to what will these Muslim organisation think regarding this. This is the issue of national interest. The government should take a decision on this," he was quoted as saying by the news agency. Last week, an affidavit was also filed in the Supreme Court by India's law ministry that said that triple talaq violates women's rights. Religious persecution will not be tolerated in India: India's interior minister As the Muslim community continues to accuse the Narendra Modi-led Indian government of violating their rights by trying to impose a uniform civil code, India's interior minister said today that 'religious persecution will never be allowed in the country'. Speaking at a meeting of Christian leaders organised by India Christian Council, interior minister Rajnath Singh described India as a 'university of tolerance', Indian news agency PTI reported. "Tolerance is essential for peaceful existence. People from all religions live peacefully in India and practise their religion without any fear of discrimination. That is why India is a university of tolerance," Singh was quoted as saying. "All important religions find place in India," he said and added that people from all religions get respect and it is the only country where all sects of Islam are found. He also referred to the incidents of attacks on churches in the national capital of Delhi ahead of assembly elections last year. "There were incidents of attacks on churches in Delhi which came up in the run-up to elections (to Delhi Assembly). But I would like to say that religious persecution will never be allowed in India whether it is before or after the (upcoming) elections (in several Indian states including northern Uttar Pradesh and Punjab)." Targeting Pakistan he said: It is very unfortunate that some countries make terrorism a state policy. There can be differences between people that can be resolved through dialogue but not by taking up guns. "The nation (Pakistan) separated from it declared itself a theocratic state. That country uses terrorism as a state policy," PTI quoted him as saying. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Abide by uniform civil code to become true Indian citizens: Shiv Sena tells Indian Muslims

Asia Bibi&#39;s blasphemy case was adjourned by Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court after&nbsp;a judge refused to hear her final plea, the Pakistani media reported.&nbsp;

It is not clear when the hearing will commence, Pakistani daily Dawn reported, after&nbsp;one of the three-member bench Justice Iqbal Hamid-ur-Rehman decided to recuse as he had also heard the Salmaan Taseer murder case.&nbsp;

Former Punjab governor Salman Taseer was gunned down in public for supporting Bibi&#39;s cause.

Hundreds of security personnel had been deployed in and around the court in Islamabad ahead of the landmark judgement.&nbsp;

Asia Bibi, a Christian, has been on death row since 2010 for apparently desecrating Prophet Muhammad, an allegation she denies.

Her lawyers are seeking to repeal her death&nbsp;sentence.

In 2010, while Bibi was working on a farm with Muslim women, an argument broke out over a cup of water. The women complained to a local cleric that Bibi had insulted the Prophet.

Bibi was charged with blasphemy.&nbsp;

Bibi&#39;s&nbsp;daughters now live in seclusion fearing attack from angry villagers, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Her relatives claim she was framed as some people held a personal grudge against her.

Her husband has also written to Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain pleading for clemency and taking her to France, where she has been promised asylum.&nbsp;

If the verdict is in favour of Bibi, it could cause serious repercussions&nbsp;in the Muslim-majority country, as the hardliners in the country are demanding death for Bibi.&nbsp;

If Bibi is sentenced, she will be the first person to be legally executed for blasphemy, which will be a huge setback for minorities living in Pakistan, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Blasphemy is a serious offence in Pakistan and the maximum punishment is death.

Pakistan&#39;s blasphemy laws became &quot;Islamicised&quot; between 1980 and 1986 under General Zia-ul-Haq&#39;s regime. After partition, Pakistan adopted the law against religious offences set by the British in 1860. Zia&#39;s government added more clauses to the law, which include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>&nbsp;In 1927, 295- A was added which stated remarks which outraged religious sentiments would receive imprisonment, which could be extended ten years and a fine.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>&nbsp;In 1982, 295-B was added for defiling or desecrating a copy of the Muslim holy book of Qur&#39;an, for which a person was given life imprisonment.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>&nbsp;In 1986, 295-C was included for insulting Prophet Muhammad.</li>
</ul>

(Source: <a href="http://www.pakistanblasphemylaw.com/?page_id=15">Pakistan Blasphemy Law</a>)

Between 1984 and 2004, 5,000 cases of blasphemy were registered and 964 people were charged and accused of blasphemy. Out of the 964 accused, 32 were killed by vigilantes.&nbsp;

Petitions have been signed to free Asia Bibi by people worldwide, which include &#39;Save Asia Bibi&#39; and &#39; A Call For Mercy&#39;. Benedict XVI, who became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years in 2013, also called for a&nbsp;pardon .&nbsp;

(WION)

 
&nbsp;

It is not clear when the hearing will commence after?one of the judges refused to hear Bibi's final plea

Asia Bibi's blasphemy case was adjourned by Pakistan's Supreme Court after a judge refused to hear her final plea, the Pakistani media reported. It is not clear when the hearing will commence, Pakistani daily Dawn reported, after one of the three-member bench Justice Iqbal Hamid-ur-Rehman decided to recuse as he had also heard the Salmaan Taseer murder case. Former Punjab governor Salman Taseer was gunned down in public for supporting Bibi's cause. Hundreds of security personnel had been deployed in and around the court in Islamabad ahead of the landmark judgement. Asia Bibi, a Christian, has been on death row since 2010 for apparently desecrating Prophet Muhammad, an allegation she denies. Her lawyers are seeking to repeal her death sentence. In 2010, while Bibi was working on a farm with Muslim women, an argument broke out over a cup of water. The women complained to a local cleric that Bibi had insulted the Prophet. Bibi was charged with blasphemy. Bibi's daughters now live in seclusion fearing attack from angry villagers, AFP reported. Her relatives claim she was framed as some people held a personal grudge against her. Her husband has also written to Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain pleading for clemency and taking her to France, where she has been promised asylum. If the verdict is in favour of Bibi, it could cause serious repercussions in the Muslim-majority country, as the hardliners in the country are demanding death for Bibi. If Bibi is sentenced, she will be the first person to be legally executed for blasphemy, which will be a huge setback for minorities living in Pakistan, AFP reported. Blasphemy is a serious offence in Pakistan and the maximum punishment is death. Pakistan's blasphemy laws became "Islamicised" between 1980 and 1986 under General Zia-ul-Haq's regime. After partition, Pakistan adopted the law against religious offences set by the British in 1860. Zia's government added more clauses to the law, which include: In 1927, 295- A was added which stated remarks which outraged religious sentiments would receive imprisonment, which could be extended ten years and a fine. In 1982, 295-B was added for defiling or desecrating a copy of the Muslim holy book of Qur'an, for which a person was given life imprisonment. In 1986, 295-C was included for insulting Prophet Muhammad. (Source: Pakistan Blasphemy Law) Between 1984 and 2004, 5,000 cases of blasphemy were registered and 964 people were charged and accused of blasphemy. Out of the 964 accused, 32 were killed by vigilantes. Petitions have been signed to free Asia Bibi by people worldwide, which include 'Save Asia Bibi' and ' A Call For Mercy'. Benedict XVI, who became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years in 2013, also called for a pardon . (WION)

Pakistan: Asia Bibi blasphemy case adjourned by top court

A seven-year-old boy of Pakistani origin was allegedly beaten up by five classmates on a school bus in the US for being a Muslim, forcing the family to move back to Pakistan, media reports say.

Two-time Fulbright scholar, Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usman,&nbsp;&nbsp;who uses data to prevent terror attacks, shared a post on Facebook with a picture of his son wearing a sling on his arm after he was attacked by fellow students in Cary, North Carolina.&nbsp;

&quot;Welcome to the United States of America of Donald Trump.&quot; he wrote as a caption &nbsp;post on october 8, the International Business Times reported.

&ldquo;Meet my son Abdul Aziz. He is in grade 1, bullied and beaten by his own classmates in school bus for being a Muslim.&quot;&nbsp;he continued.

Usmani &nbsp;told The Huffington Post &nbsp;they twisted his son&#39;s arm and called him &quot;Muslim&quot;&nbsp;over and over again.

&quot;He was born and raised in the United States. He was born in Florida. As American as you can think of. He likes Captain America. He wants to be president of the United States of America,&quot; Usmani told The Huffington Post, while speaking from Pakistan.

The parents reported the incident to the school.

Lisa Luten, a spokeswoman for Wake County Public School System, told The Huffington Post that no students on the bus or the bus driver said they saw an altercation.&nbsp;

She said the family didn&#39;t report that the students made references to Pakistan and Islam, however, an email the father sent to the school principal over what happened describes what was said to his son, The Huffington Post reported.

 
&nbsp;

(WION)

 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

A two-time Fulbright scholar, posted his son's photo on Facebook with the caption 'Welcome to the United States of America of Donald Trump'

A seven-year-old boy of Pakistani origin was allegedly beaten up by five classmates on a school bus in the US for being a Muslim, forcing the family to move back to Pakistan, media reports say. Two-time Fulbright scholar, Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usman, who uses data to prevent terror attacks, shared a post on Facebook with a picture of his son wearing a sling on his arm after he was attacked by fellow students in Cary, North Carolina. "Welcome to the United States of America of Donald Trump." he wrote as a caption post on october 8, the International Business Times reported. “Meet my son Abdul Aziz. He is in grade 1, bullied and beaten by his own classmates in school bus for being a Muslim." he continued. Usmani told The Huffington Post they twisted his son's arm and called him "Muslim" over and over again. "He was born and raised in the United States. He was born in Florida. As American as you can think of. He likes Captain America. He wants to be president of the United States of America," Usmani told The Huffington Post, while speaking from Pakistan. The parents reported the incident to the school. Lisa Luten, a spokeswoman for Wake County Public School System, told The Huffington Post that no students on the bus or the bus driver said they saw an altercation. She said the family didn't report that the students made references to Pakistan and Islam, however, an email the father sent to the school principal over what happened describes what was said to his son, The Huffington Post reported. (WION)

7-year-old Pakistani-origin boy beaten up in US by classmates for being 'Muslim'

To counter India&#39;s influence over the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Pakistan is exploring the possibility of forming a larger South Asian Economic Alliance, diplomatic observers say, the Dawn newspaper reported Wednesday.&nbsp;

The idea was pitched by a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan during its visit to Washington last week. The delegation is in New York now.

&quot;A greater South Asia is already emerging,&rdquo; said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed&nbsp;in an interaction with the media. &ldquo;This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics.&rdquo;

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was described by him as the key route linking South Asia with Central Asia. The Gwadar port&nbsp;would be the closest water port for the land-locked Central Asian states, he pointed out.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We want India to join this arrangement as well,&rdquo; said Hussain.&nbsp;However, India may be unwilling to accept such an arrangement, considering the advantage SAARC provides it with.&nbsp;

In a bid to isolate Pakistan, India last month exerted its influence on SAARC when it declared that it would not be attending the South Asia-based regional group&#39;s 19th summit, which was to be held in Islamabad on November 15 and 16 this year.&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s alleged involvement in&nbsp;the September 18 terrorist attack in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir was the reason cited by India behind its decision to boycott the summit. However, Pakistani has strongly denied the allegation,&nbsp;citing the absence of any concrete evidence provided by India to support its claim. Yet, India was supported by three other SAARC nations - Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan - who too boycotted the summit.

This exposed Pakistan&#39;s isolation within the group where it had once played a key role. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are India&#39;s close allies. Bhutan, surrounded by India, is way too small and dependent to question New Delhi&#39;s moves.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal share good relations with Pakistan but they are not powerful enough to take on India.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India. That&rsquo;s why they are now talking about a greater South Asia,&rdquo; a senior diplomat told Dawn,&nbsp;confirming reports that Pakistan is seeking a new regional agreement,

Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it,&rdquo; said another diplomat to Dawn.

The Washington-based diplomatic observers say&nbsp;that the arrangement Pakistan is seeking will also suit China &nbsp;as it remains worried about India&#39;s growing influence in the region. The observers&nbsp;further argue that Central Asian states and Iran may be persuaded by China to join the new arrangement.&nbsp;

However, the analysts&nbsp;warn&nbsp;that SAARC&nbsp;members will not be too keen to support&nbsp;the idea. The new arrangement will not have much in store for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka as joining a land route far from their borders will not be very favourable to them. Besides, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have their own ports.&nbsp;

Afghanistan, which is a land-locked Central Asian country, is likely to benefit&nbsp;the most from a larger South Asian alliance as any trade route that links South and Central Asian regions is beneficial for Afghanistan. But considering Afghanistan&#39;s links to India, it is unlikely to join any arrangement that hurts India&#39;s interest.&nbsp;

The application for SAARC membership by Afghanistan in 2006&nbsp;paved way for an interesting debate on the definition of South Asian identity as Afghanistan is essentially a Central Asian country.&nbsp;

A stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections was imposed by SAARC member states. The polls were held in 2005, later enabling the country to join the group in April 2007 as its eighth member.&nbsp;

Even if a larger South Asia became a reality, there is no certainty that its members will stand by the side of Pakistan in its disputes with India, a South Asian diplomat told Dawn.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan,&rdquo; the diplomat added.

(WION with inputs from Dawn) 
&nbsp;

The idea was pitched by a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan during its visit to Washington last week

To counter India's influence over the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Pakistan is exploring the possibility of forming a larger South Asian Economic Alliance, diplomatic observers say, the Dawn newspaper reported Wednesday. The idea was pitched by a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan during its visit to Washington last week. The delegation is in New York now. "A greater South Asia is already emerging,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed in an interaction with the media. “This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics.” The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was described by him as the key route linking South Asia with Central Asia. The Gwadar port would be the closest water port for the land-locked Central Asian states, he pointed out. “We want India to join this arrangement as well,” said Hussain. However, India may be unwilling to accept such an arrangement, considering the advantage SAARC provides it with. In a bid to isolate Pakistan, India last month exerted its influence on SAARC when it declared that it would not be attending the South Asia-based regional group's 19th summit, which was to be held in Islamabad on November 15 and 16 this year. Pakistan's alleged involvement in the September 18 terrorist attack in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir was the reason cited by India behind its decision to boycott the summit. However, Pakistani has strongly denied the allegation, citing the absence of any concrete evidence provided by India to support its claim. Yet, India was supported by three other SAARC nations - Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan - who too boycotted the summit. This exposed Pakistan's isolation within the group where it had once played a key role. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are India's close allies. Bhutan, surrounded by India, is way too small and dependent to question New Delhi's moves. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal share good relations with Pakistan but they are not powerful enough to take on India. “Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India. That’s why they are now talking about a greater South Asia,” a senior diplomat told Dawn, confirming reports that Pakistan is seeking a new regional agreement, Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it,” said another diplomat to Dawn. The Washington-based diplomatic observers say that the arrangement Pakistan is seeking will also suit China as it remains worried about India's growing influence in the region. The observers further argue that Central Asian states and Iran may be persuaded by China to join the new arrangement. However, the analysts warn that SAARC members will not be too keen to support the idea. The new arrangement will not have much in store for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka as joining a land route far from their borders will not be very favourable to them. Besides, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have their own ports. Afghanistan, which is a land-locked Central Asian country, is likely to benefit the most from a larger South Asian alliance as any trade route that links South and Central Asian regions is beneficial for Afghanistan. But considering Afghanistan's links to India, it is unlikely to join any arrangement that hurts India's interest. The application for SAARC membership by Afghanistan in 2006 paved way for an interesting debate on the definition of South Asian identity as Afghanistan is essentially a Central Asian country. A stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections was imposed by SAARC member states. The polls were held in 2005, later enabling the country to join the group in April 2007 as its eighth member. Even if a larger South Asia became a reality, there is no certainty that its members will stand by the side of Pakistan in its disputes with India, a South Asian diplomat told Dawn. “Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan,” the diplomat added. (WION with inputs from Dawn)

Pakistan seeks larger SAARC to counter India's influence

Pakistan has presented a dossier to the UN General Assembly on human rights violations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Radio Pakistan, the country&rsquo;s national broadcaster reported.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s special envoys on Kashmir, senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali handed over the dossier to UNGA President Peter Thomson in New York, Radio Pakistan said.

According to the broadcaster, senator Mushahid Hussain said that India has closed all doors to a bilateral dialogue, scuttled a regional summit and refused to implement Security Council resolutions, at an international level.

The broadcaster said Dr. Shezra Ali has given details of &nbsp;the killings of demonstrators and injuries caused by the Indian forces.

The UNGA President, Radio Pakistan said, expressed concern at the situation and assured the envoys of every possible effort to foster peace.&nbsp;

He said an update on the situation from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations will also be sought, Radio&nbsp;Pakistan reported.

 
&nbsp;

(WION)

&nbsp;

The country's national broadcaster said the UNGA president has assured special envoys on Kashmir of efforts fo foster peace

Pakistan has presented a dossier to the UN General Assembly on human rights violations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Radio Pakistan, the country’s national broadcaster reported. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s special envoys on Kashmir, senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali handed over the dossier to UNGA President Peter Thomson in New York, Radio Pakistan said. According to the broadcaster, senator Mushahid Hussain said that India has closed all doors to a bilateral dialogue, scuttled a regional summit and refused to implement Security Council resolutions, at an international level. The broadcaster said Dr. Shezra Ali has given details of the killings of demonstrators and injuries caused by the Indian forces. The UNGA President, Radio Pakistan said, expressed concern at the situation and assured the envoys of every possible effort to foster peace. He said an update on the situation from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations will also be sought, Radio Pakistan reported. (WION)

Pakistan presents dossier to UN on human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir: Radio Pakistan

Amid escalating tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, India stressed that the nuclear proliferation linkages active today have clear &quot;Pakistan fingerprints&quot;.

The statement comes as part of India&#39;s Right of Reply to Pakistan during the UN debate on international security and disarmament.

Counsellor Siddhartha Nath representing India at the conference in Geneva said the biggest threat to peace and stability comes from active promotion of terrorism and an &quot;unbridled&quot; expansion of fissile material under the nexus between state and non-state actors.&nbsp;Islamabad had raised the Kashmir issue yet again at an October 10 session of UN First Committee, which deals with disarmament and international security.

&quot;Nuclear proliferation linkages which are today active have clear Pakistan fingerprints,&quot; he said.

Pakistan permanent representative to the conference, ambassador Tehmina Janjua asked why India had not yet responded to his government&#39;s proposal for a bilateral nuclear test ban arrangement.&nbsp;

Last month, Nawaz Sharif in his UNGA address had expressed readiness to agree on a bilateral arrangement between India and Pakistan on a nuclear test ban.&nbsp;

In a strongly worded response, India said, &quot;it is ironic that a country whose non-proliferation track record is marked by obstructionism seeks to convince the international community of its self-serving proposals.&quot;

&quot;It is a matter of record that Pakistan is singularly responsible for blocking the international disarmament agenda and the Conference on Disarmament,&quot; he said.

Nath urged the international community to stand united &quot;against those whose persistent violations increase nuclear threat and proliferation risks&quot;.

Pakistan had alleged that India conducted its first test in 1974 by &quot;diverting&quot; resources from a reactor that had been supplied for peaceful use and continued development of such weapons Pakistan&#39;s opposition.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India said Pakistan's proposal of a nuclear test ban was ironic given its track record of blocking disarmament

Amid escalating tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, India stressed that the nuclear proliferation linkages active today have clear "Pakistan fingerprints". The statement comes as part of India's Right of Reply to Pakistan during the UN debate on international security and disarmament. Counsellor Siddhartha Nath representing India at the conference in Geneva said the biggest threat to peace and stability comes from active promotion of terrorism and an "unbridled" expansion of fissile material under the nexus between state and non-state actors. Islamabad had raised the Kashmir issue yet again at an October 10 session of UN First Committee, which deals with disarmament and international security. "Nuclear proliferation linkages which are today active have clear Pakistan fingerprints," he said. Pakistan permanent representative to the conference, ambassador Tehmina Janjua asked why India had not yet responded to his government's proposal for a bilateral nuclear test ban arrangement. Last month, Nawaz Sharif in his UNGA address had expressed readiness to agree on a bilateral arrangement between India and Pakistan on a nuclear test ban. In a strongly worded response, India said, "it is ironic that a country whose non-proliferation track record is marked by obstructionism seeks to convince the international community of its self-serving proposals." "It is a matter of record that Pakistan is singularly responsible for blocking the international disarmament agenda and the Conference on Disarmament," he said. Nath urged the international community to stand united "against those whose persistent violations increase nuclear threat and proliferation risks". Pakistan had alleged that India conducted its first test in 1974 by "diverting" resources from a reactor that had been supplied for peaceful use and continued development of such weapons Pakistan's opposition. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's fingerprints on N-proliferation linkages, India tells UN panel

A petition to bring back the iconic &#39;Dancing Girl&#39; statue back to Lahore Museum was filed on Monday.

The statuette dates back to 2,500 BCE and was excavated from Mohenjodaro, the largest settlement in the Indus Valley, which is one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

The bronze statuette is currently displayed at the National Museum in New Delhi.&nbsp;It was brought to India by Mortimer Wheeler at the behest of the National Arts Council in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jaffrey filed a suo&nbsp;motu appeal with the court to direct the Pakistan government to bring it back as it is the property of Lahore Museum. In present day, Mohenjodaro is located in Pakistan&#39;s southeast Sindh province.&nbsp;

In the petition,&nbsp;Jaffery asserts that the statue is a part of Pakistan&#39;s rich cultural heritage and that it demands the same historical importance that Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci&#39;s Mona Lisa commands in Europe.&nbsp;

The National Museum in New Delhi describes the dancing girl as one of the &quot;rarest-artefacts world-over&quot; giving a glimpse into the cultural past of a lost civilisation.

According to the museum, the metal work is indicative that the Indus Valley people knew metallurgy and had knowledge of dance and drama. The 10.5 cm statue depicts a young girl striking a pose with one arm on her hips, an upward sway to her waist and legs bent. Ornaments adorn her arms and neck, but she is devoid of any clothing. She has large eyes, flat nose, curved cheeks and curly hair framing a broad forehead.&nbsp;

Director general of the Pakistan National Museum of Arts, Jamal Shah, recently hinted that the government was planning to approach UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to help bring back the statue. &quot;This is important if we want to protect our heritage,&quot; added.

(WION)

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jaffrey filed a suit, contending that the iconic statuette is a part of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage

A petition to bring back the iconic 'Dancing Girl' statue back to Lahore Museum was filed on Monday. The statuette dates back to 2,500 BCE and was excavated from Mohenjodaro, the largest settlement in the Indus Valley, which is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. The bronze statuette is currently displayed at the National Museum in New Delhi. It was brought to India by Mortimer Wheeler at the behest of the National Arts Council in New Delhi. Barrister Javed Iqbal Jaffrey filed a suo motu appeal with the court to direct the Pakistan government to bring it back as it is the property of Lahore Museum. In present day, Mohenjodaro is located in Pakistan's southeast Sindh province. In the petition, Jaffery asserts that the statue is a part of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and that it demands the same historical importance that Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa commands in Europe. The National Museum in New Delhi describes the dancing girl as one of the "rarest-artefacts world-over" giving a glimpse into the cultural past of a lost civilisation. According to the museum, the metal work is indicative that the Indus Valley people knew metallurgy and had knowledge of dance and drama. The 10.5 cm statue depicts a young girl striking a pose with one arm on her hips, an upward sway to her waist and legs bent. Ornaments adorn her arms and neck, but she is devoid of any clothing. She has large eyes, flat nose, curved cheeks and curly hair framing a broad forehead. Director general of the Pakistan National Museum of Arts, Jamal Shah, recently hinted that the government was planning to approach UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to help bring back the statue. "This is important if we want to protect our heritage," added. (WION)

Lawyer wants Mohenjodaro's 'Dancing Girl' to return to Pakistan from India

The Indian Army&#39;s assessment reports of the surgical strikes carried out on terror launch pads in Pakistan-controlled areas along the border on the night of September 28, showed the terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) suffered the maximum damage, the news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

According to the radio intercepts detailed in the report, around 20 militants of the Pakistan-based terror group were killed in the operation.&nbsp;

PTI said&nbsp;the assessment reports available from Indian army field units which included radio conversations between various Pakistani formations showed maximum damage was inflicted on LeT at the Dudniyal launch pad in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The Dudniyal launch pad is believed to be located opposite the Kupwara sector of North Kashmir.&nbsp;

Sources said on Sunday the terrorists were taken by surprise when the Indian Army carried out the well-calibrated operation on September 28.&nbsp;

According to the assessment reports the militants, belonging to LeT, were seen running towards the Pakistani post&nbsp;when the five teams from the Indian army division attacked the terror launch pads located at Kail, the PTI reported.&nbsp;

However, the sources said that post the attack radio and wireless intercepts between various formations of Pakistan have fallen silent.&nbsp;

The report said that radio intercepts of Pakistani army indicated that at least 10 LeT terrorists had been killed during the multiple and near synchronised surgical strikes on four launch pads. There was a&nbsp;heavy movement of Pakistani army vehicles till the break of dawn and all the bodies were cleared off and taken away, the sources said, adding as per the radio intercepts there was a mass burial in the Neelum valley. 
&nbsp;

Similar blow was dealt at the terrorist launch pads located at Balnoi area opposite of Poonch in which nine people belonging to LeT were killed as per the radio intercepts of Pakistani army, the sources said. Two Pakistani soldiers belonging to 8 Northern Light Infantry were also killed in the strike in this sector, they said.

However, Pakistan has refuted all claims made by the Indian Army and said that only two of their soldiers were killed in cross border firing.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The report said that radio intercepts between various Pakistani formations indicated around 20 militants from the group were killed

The Indian Army's assessment reports of the surgical strikes carried out on terror launch pads in Pakistan-controlled areas along the border on the night of September 28, showed the terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) suffered the maximum damage, the news agency PTI reported. According to the radio intercepts detailed in the report, around 20 militants of the Pakistan-based terror group were killed in the operation. PTI said the assessment reports available from Indian army field units which included radio conversations between various Pakistani formations showed maximum damage was inflicted on LeT at the Dudniyal launch pad in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The Dudniyal launch pad is believed to be located opposite the Kupwara sector of North Kashmir. Sources said on Sunday the terrorists were taken by surprise when the Indian Army carried out the well-calibrated operation on September 28. According to the assessment reports the militants, belonging to LeT, were seen running towards the Pakistani post when the five teams from the Indian army division attacked the terror launch pads located at Kail, the PTI reported. However, the sources said that post the attack radio and wireless intercepts between various formations of Pakistan have fallen silent. The report said that radio intercepts of Pakistani army indicated that at least 10 LeT terrorists had been killed during the multiple and near synchronised surgical strikes on four launch pads. There was a heavy movement of Pakistani army vehicles till the break of dawn and all the bodies were cleared off and taken away, the sources said, adding as per the radio intercepts there was a mass burial in the Neelum valley. Similar blow was dealt at the terrorist launch pads located at Balnoi area opposite of Poonch in which nine people belonging to LeT were killed as per the radio intercepts of Pakistani army, the sources said. Two Pakistani soldiers belonging to 8 Northern Light Infantry were also killed in the strike in this sector, they said. However, Pakistan has refuted all claims made by the Indian Army and said that only two of their soldiers were killed in cross border firing. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian Army's reports on surgical strikes reveal Pak-based terror outfit LeT suffered maximum damage

&nbsp;

Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) activists took to the streets of Quetta protesting against Chinese involvement in Balochistan in the name of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.&nbsp;

The rally blocked the main road for several hours and saw the participation of children and women in large numbers. The demonstrators burnt China and Pakistan&#39;s flags and chanted &quot;Stop War Crimes in Balochistan&quot;, &quot;Stop Baloch Genocide&quot;, &quot;Down with Pakistan&quot; and &quot;Down with China&quot;.

The FBM is against the exploitation of Baloch&#39;s natural resources and its occupation in the name of CPEC. They also burnt effigies of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The protesters alleged that China was supporting Pakistan in committing atrocities and human rights violations against the Baluch.&nbsp;

 
&quot;The protest demonstration was taken out by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) to expose before the world the plunder of their natural resources by Pakistan and China in the name of CPEC and human rights violations by Pakistan in Balochistan,&quot; a protester attending the rally said.&nbsp;

&quot;Baloch people, women, students, and youth, who gathered here, condemn the alliance partners of Pakistan, who are supporting it in the name of military and economy. In the name of development, Pakistani military and Pakistan&#39;s alliance partners are plundering Balochistan&#39;s resources and are trying to dismantle Balochistan&#39;s identity,&quot; ANI reported him saying.&nbsp;

Another protester appealed to China to stop providing support to Pakistan, saying, &quot;Today, we are here to support the Free Balochistan Movement... Pakistan is plundering Balochistan&#39;s resources.The recent condition of Balochistan depicts sad pictures. I personally appeal to the people of China to ask their government not to take part in the genocide taking place here,&quot; she said.

(WION with inputs from ANI)

Free Balochistan Movement is against the exploitation of Baloch's natural resources and its occupation in the name of CPEC

Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) activists took to the streets of Quetta protesting against Chinese involvement in Balochistan in the name of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The rally blocked the main road for several hours and saw the participation of children and women in large numbers. The demonstrators burnt China and Pakistan's flags and chanted "Stop War Crimes in Balochistan", "Stop Baloch Genocide", "Down with Pakistan" and "Down with China". The FBM is against the exploitation of Baloch's natural resources and its occupation in the name of CPEC. They also burnt effigies of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The protesters alleged that China was supporting Pakistan in committing atrocities and human rights violations against the Baluch. "The protest demonstration was taken out by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) to expose before the world the plunder of their natural resources by Pakistan and China in the name of CPEC and human rights violations by Pakistan in Balochistan," a protester attending the rally said. "Baloch people, women, students, and youth, who gathered here, condemn the alliance partners of Pakistan, who are supporting it in the name of military and economy. In the name of development, Pakistani military and Pakistan's alliance partners are plundering Balochistan's resources and are trying to dismantle Balochistan's identity," ANI reported him saying. Another protester appealed to China to stop providing support to Pakistan, saying, "Today, we are here to support the Free Balochistan Movement... Pakistan is plundering Balochistan's resources.The recent condition of Balochistan depicts sad pictures. I personally appeal to the people of China to ask their government not to take part in the genocide taking place here," she said. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Baluchi's protest against Chinese involvement in Balochistan

Three months after the murder of Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch, the Pakistan Parliament today passed legislation against &quot;honour killings&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The new anti-honour killing law was unanimously approved by the lower and upper house of the parliament mandates life imprisonment even if the victim&#39;s relatives forgive the murderer, international agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This removes a currently existing loophole in the existing law that allows killers to walk free after being pardoned by family members.

&nbsp;

&quot;Laws are supposed to guide better behaviour, not allow destructive behaviour to continue with impunity,&quot; former senator Sughra Imam, who initially put forward the bill, was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the international news agency, around 500 women are killed each year in the country at the hands of family members over perceived damage to &quot;honour&quot; that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values relating to women.

&nbsp;

Another legislation was passed today by the assembly increasing the punishments for some rape offences, mandating DNA testing and making the rape of a minor or the disabled punishable by life imprisonment or death, AFP reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Rape convictions in the South Asian country are apparently very low due to the law&#39;s reliance on circumstantial evidence and a lack of forensic testing, the news agency highlights in its reports.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Women rights activists have been calling for tougher laws to tackle pepetrators of violence against women in the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Honour?killings 'claim the lives of hundreds of victims every year', the bill stated

Three months after the murder of Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch, the Pakistan Parliament today passed legislation against "honour killings". The new anti-honour killing law was unanimously approved by the lower and upper house of the parliament mandates life imprisonment even if the victim's relatives forgive the murderer, international agency AFP reported. This removes a currently existing loophole in the existing law that allows killers to walk free after being pardoned by family members. "Laws are supposed to guide better behaviour, not allow destructive behaviour to continue with impunity," former senator Sughra Imam, who initially put forward the bill, was quoted as saying by Reuters. According to the international news agency, around 500 women are killed each year in the country at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honour" that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values relating to women. Another legislation was passed today by the assembly increasing the punishments for some rape offences, mandating DNA testing and making the rape of a minor or the disabled punishable by life imprisonment or death, AFP reported. Rape convictions in the South Asian country are apparently very low due to the law's reliance on circumstantial evidence and a lack of forensic testing, the news agency highlights in its reports. Women rights activists have been calling for tougher laws to tackle pepetrators of violence against women in the country. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan passes legislation against 'honour killings'

Atrocities on Pakistani&nbsp;Hindus have multiplied manyfold since India&#39;s surgical strikes on &quot;terror launchpads&quot; along the Line of Control dividing India and Pakistan on the night of September 28, prompting a flight&nbsp;of them&nbsp;to India, Indian news agency ANI reported today.&nbsp;

About 216 Pakistani&nbsp;Hindus arrived in India yesterday in the western Indian city of Jodhpur. They travelled to India&nbsp;on the Thar Express, an international train that connects Karachi in Pakistan to Jodhpur in India.

The&nbsp;Pakistani Hindus came&nbsp;on&nbsp;pilgrim visas, but say they have no intention of returning.&nbsp;

ANI reported that&nbsp;31 Pakistani Hindus came to India last&nbsp;week. It reported two of them as saying they would rather die than return to Pakistan.

The Pakistani Hindus&nbsp;will for now live in camps for displaced Pakistanis.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI)

Atrocities against them are reportedly on the rise in Pakistan

Atrocities on Pakistani Hindus have multiplied manyfold since India's surgical strikes on "terror launchpads" along the Line of Control dividing India and Pakistan on the night of September 28, prompting a flight of them to India, Indian news agency ANI reported today. About 216 Pakistani Hindus arrived in India yesterday in the western Indian city of Jodhpur. They travelled to India on the Thar Express, an international train that connects Karachi in Pakistan to Jodhpur in India. The Pakistani Hindus came on pilgrim visas, but say they have no intention of returning. ANI reported that 31 Pakistani Hindus came to India last week. It reported two of them as saying they would rather die than return to Pakistan. The Pakistani Hindus will for now live in camps for displaced Pakistanis. (WION with inputs from ANI)

After surgical strikes, influx of Pakistani Hindus into India

The United States&nbsp;on Friday urged India and Pakistan to engage in a &quot;meaningful dialogue&quot; to defuse tension following recent fighting along the Line of Control, the de facto border dividing the two South Asian nations.

Saying that the US&#39; position has not changed on Kashmir, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said, &ldquo;We want this to be worked out between both sides, the issue of Kashmir. And generally, we obviously want to see the tensions that exist right now be brought down and for dialogue to take its place meaningful dialogue to try to address these issues bilaterally between the countries.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We have differences with many countries too, and we continue to try to work through them,&quot; Kirby said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;That&#39;s all we&#39;re asking, that&#39;s all we&#39;re hoping, that&#39;s all we&#39;re expecting from leaders in India and Pakistan,&rdquo; he added.

Kirby also expressed confidence in Pakistan&#39;s nuclear security, saying Pakistan has kept its nuclear arsenals safe from terrorists.&nbsp;

&#39;We don&#39;t support Pakistan state sponsor of terrorism bill&#39;

Asked if the government would support a bill in the Congress and an online petition that the US should declare Pakistan a &#39;terrorist state&#39;, Kirby said that he &ldquo;had not seen anything specifically about the such a bill, and obviously we don&#39;t&quot;.

&quot;What we what I would say is common threat, common challenge in the region, and we&#39;re going to continue to work with Pakistan, with Afghanistan to try to address these common threats and challenges, and we&#39;ve always said that more can be done about the safe havens and that&#39;s we&#39;re going to, again, try to work as cooperatively as we can to that end,&quot; Kirby said.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Asked if the US will support a bill declaring Pakistan a 'terrorist state', State Department spokesperson John Kirby replied in the negative

The United States on Friday urged India and Pakistan to engage in a "meaningful dialogue" to defuse tension following recent fighting along the Line of Control, the de facto border dividing the two South Asian nations. Saying that the US' position has not changed on Kashmir, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said, “We want this to be worked out between both sides, the issue of Kashmir. And generally, we obviously want to see the tensions that exist right now be brought down and for dialogue to take its place meaningful dialogue to try to address these issues bilaterally between the countries.” “We have differences with many countries too, and we continue to try to work through them," Kirby said. “That's all we're asking, that's all we're hoping, that's all we're expecting from leaders in India and Pakistan,” he added. Kirby also expressed confidence in Pakistan's nuclear security, saying Pakistan has kept its nuclear arsenals safe from terrorists. 'We don't support Pakistan state sponsor of terrorism bill' Asked if the government would support a bill in the Congress and an online petition that the US should declare Pakistan a 'terrorist state', Kirby said that he “had not seen anything specifically about the such a bill, and obviously we don't". "What we what I would say is common threat, common challenge in the region, and we're going to continue to work with Pakistan, with Afghanistan to try to address these common threats and challenges, and we've always said that more can be done about the safe havens and that's we're going to, again, try to work as cooperatively as we can to that end," Kirby said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

US calls for 'meaningful dialogue' between India, Pakistan

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s special Kashmir envoy has said that Pakistan is willing to eliminate terrorism.&nbsp;

Mushahid Hussain, one of the two special envoys said,&quot;Campaign against terrorism has to be comprehensive, clear and has to be all out.&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Pakistan has waged one of the most difficult and successful against inland terrorists inside the country,&quot; he told the audience at an event organised in Washington by US think-tank Stimson Center.&nbsp;

&quot;There is no two view about that. We are going against the largest war against terrorism inside the country. There is a certain consensus inside the country. We are against terrorism. We would go against remnants,&quot; he said in response to a question.

&quot;We consider terrorism and extremism as the number one security threat in Pakistan. There is a consensus on this,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

When asked by moderator Michael Krepon if Pakistan was facing international isolation, Hussain denied it and said Islamabad had the support of China, Russia, Iran, Turkey.&nbsp;

&quot;Right now, Pakistan is not isolated,&quot; and said the Organisation of Islamic Countries and Human Rights Council backed Pakistan.

Hussain was however contradicted by the other special envoy on Kashmir, Shazra Mansab who said Pakistan does &quot;not fear isolation.&quot;

&quot;We have this feeling that the huge sacrifices that Pakistan has not been recognised by the US and other countries. No other country in the world has taken so much step as we have done,&quot; she said.

&quot;We are against militancy. But we do not fear isolation,&quot; Mansab said.

&quot;First, resume the back channel. Second have confidence building measures (CBMs) in Kashmir and finally give nod to Sharif for the SAARC summit in Pakistan. Let 2017 be the year of decision and year of peace,&quot; he suggested to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve Indo-Pak issues.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from dna)

&nbsp;

Mushahid Hussain said Pakistan has waged a successful war against inland terrorists but there are still 'remnants'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's special Kashmir envoy has said that Pakistan is willing to eliminate terrorism. Mushahid Hussain, one of the two special envoys said,"Campaign against terrorism has to be comprehensive, clear and has to be all out." he said. "Pakistan has waged one of the most difficult and successful against inland terrorists inside the country," he told the audience at an event organised in Washington by US think-tank Stimson Center. "There is no two view about that. We are going against the largest war against terrorism inside the country. There is a certain consensus inside the country. We are against terrorism. We would go against remnants," he said in response to a question. "We consider terrorism and extremism as the number one security threat in Pakistan. There is a consensus on this," he added. When asked by moderator Michael Krepon if Pakistan was facing international isolation, Hussain denied it and said Islamabad had the support of China, Russia, Iran, Turkey. "Right now, Pakistan is not isolated," and said the Organisation of Islamic Countries and Human Rights Council backed Pakistan. Hussain was however contradicted by the other special envoy on Kashmir, Shazra Mansab who said Pakistan does "not fear isolation." "We have this feeling that the huge sacrifices that Pakistan has not been recognised by the US and other countries. No other country in the world has taken so much step as we have done," she said. "We are against militancy. But we do not fear isolation," Mansab said. "First, resume the back channel. Second have confidence building measures (CBMs) in Kashmir and finally give nod to Sharif for the SAARC summit in Pakistan. Let 2017 be the year of decision and year of peace," he suggested to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve Indo-Pak issues. (WION with inputs from dna)

Pakistan not isolated: Sharif's envoy

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that &quot;India cannot deny the rights of Kashmiris,&quot; as he addressed a joint session of parliament in Islamabad called to discuss the cross-border tensions with India, Pakistan daily the Dawn reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;Kashmiri youth have taken it upon themselves to carry on the movement of freedom against Indian aggression and atrocities,&quot; he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;World powers need to ensure that UN resolutions on Kashmir should be implemented in letter and spirit. We have done everything to make India come to the dialogue table, but India did not let it happen. Our efforts were thwarted over and over again.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&#39;Poverty can&#39;t be fought by driving tanks on farmlands&#39;&nbsp;

Sharif also hit back at his Indian couterpart saying that poverty cannot be eradicated by &quot;driving tanks on farmlands&quot;. He was apparently responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s statement that both nations should battle to eradicate poverty.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month slammed the neighbouring country for exporting terrorism across the world and said: &quot;While India exports software, Pakistan exports terrorism across the world.&quot;

&nbsp;

&quot;Your (Pakistani) rulers speak of fighting India for a thousand years. Today, there is such a government in Delhi that I am ready to accept your challenge... Pakistan`s `awam` (people), I want to say to you, India is ready to fight you,&quot; Modi had said.

&nbsp;

&#39;We are against war&#39;&nbsp;

Tensions have been heightened between the two South Asian countries following the millitant attack on Indian Army camp in Uri sector of Kashmir on September 18. Ensuing surgical strikes by India in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and subsequent denial &nbsp;by Pakistan has also drawn attention from the world leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;We have done everything to make India come to the dialogue table, but India did not let it happen. Our efforts were thwarted over and over again,&quot; Sharif said today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;We want peace, we are against war,&quot; the Dawn quoted him as saying.

&nbsp;

Referring to India`s accusations about Pakistan&#39;s involvement in Septmber 18 Uri attack,&nbsp;Sharif said: &quot;Without any investigation within a few hours India blamed Pakistan for the attack. Through this one can see what India&#39;s motives are.&quot;

&nbsp;

He also spoke about the `surgical strikes` carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC), saying, &quot;On Sept 28, India&#39;s ceasefire violation resulted in the death of our two soldiers. It was befittingly responded and was conveyed that Pakistan Army is fully capable to respond to any aggression.&quot;

&nbsp;

PTI chairman skips joint parliament session&nbsp;

The session was opened by the national assembly speaker &nbsp;Ayaz Sadiq by welcoming &nbsp;the chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the Pakistan daily, senior lawmakers of political parties attended the session with the exception of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&ldquo;After the Panama Papers revelations, the Prime Minister has lost the moral authority to hold office... I don&rsquo;t accept him as the prime minister anymore,&rdquo; he told the reporters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US urges restraint&nbsp;

Meanwhile, simmering&nbsp;tensions between India and Pakistan prompted United States on Monday to urge both the countries for &quot;calm and restraint&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&ldquo;We urge calm and restraint on both sides. We understand, as we said last week, that the militaries are in touch. We believe that that continued communication is vital to reduce these tensions,&rdquo; State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters on Monday.

&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley in India has been gripped by violence for more than three months after Hizbul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While Pakistan accuses India of human rights violations in Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed that Pakistan has been violating human rights in Balochistan.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

He also responded to Indian PM's challenge about eradicating poverty saying: 'Poverty can't be fought by driving tanks on farmlands'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that "India cannot deny the rights of Kashmiris," as he addressed a joint session of parliament in Islamabad called to discuss the cross-border tensions with India, Pakistan daily the Dawn reported. "Kashmiri youth have taken it upon themselves to carry on the movement of freedom against Indian aggression and atrocities," he was quoted as saying. "World powers need to ensure that UN resolutions on Kashmir should be implemented in letter and spirit. We have done everything to make India come to the dialogue table, but India did not let it happen. Our efforts were thwarted over and over again." 'Poverty can't be fought by driving tanks on farmlands' Sharif also hit back at his Indian couterpart saying that poverty cannot be eradicated by "driving tanks on farmlands". He was apparently responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s statement that both nations should battle to eradicate poverty. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month slammed the neighbouring country for exporting terrorism across the world and said: "While India exports software, Pakistan exports terrorism across the world." "Your (Pakistani) rulers speak of fighting India for a thousand years. Today, there is such a government in Delhi that I am ready to accept your challenge... Pakistan`s `awam` (people), I want to say to you, India is ready to fight you," Modi had said. 'We are against war' Tensions have been heightened between the two South Asian countries following the millitant attack on Indian Army camp in Uri sector of Kashmir on September 18. Ensuing surgical strikes by India in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and subsequent denial by Pakistan has also drawn attention from the world leaders. "We have done everything to make India come to the dialogue table, but India did not let it happen. Our efforts were thwarted over and over again," Sharif said today. "We want peace, we are against war," the Dawn quoted him as saying. Referring to India`s accusations about Pakistan's involvement in Septmber 18 Uri attack, Sharif said: "Without any investigation within a few hours India blamed Pakistan for the attack. Through this one can see what India's motives are." He also spoke about the `surgical strikes` carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC), saying, "On Sept 28, India's ceasefire violation resulted in the death of our two soldiers. It was befittingly responded and was conveyed that Pakistan Army is fully capable to respond to any aggression." PTI chairman skips joint parliament session The session was opened by the national assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq by welcoming the chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. According to the Pakistan daily, senior lawmakers of political parties attended the session with the exception of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. “After the Panama Papers revelations, the Prime Minister has lost the moral authority to hold office... I don’t accept him as the prime minister anymore,” he told the reporters. US urges restraint Meanwhile, simmering tensions between India and Pakistan prompted United States on Monday to urge both the countries for "calm and restraint". “We urge calm and restraint on both sides. We understand, as we said last week, that the militaries are in touch. We believe that that continued communication is vital to reduce these tensions,” State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters on Monday. Kashmir Valley in India has been gripped by violence for more than three months after Hizbul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed. While Pakistan accuses India of human rights violations in Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed that Pakistan has been violating human rights in Balochistan. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India cannot deny rights of Kashmiris: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif

The European Parliament&#39;s vice-president has lauded India&#39;s &quot;proactive operation&quot; against militants in India-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Vice president Ryszard Czarnecki has been&nbsp;quoted as saying:&nbsp;&quot;India&#39;s cross-border action against terrorists on its borders with Pakistan should be commended and supported by the international community. &nbsp;India has clearly indicated that these attacks were not against the Pakistani state, but focused against terror groups that threatened peace and stability in the region.&quot;

&nbsp;

Czarnecki&#39;s comments were published in the European Parliament&#39;s monthly magazine where he praised India&#39;s decision and called on the European Union to continue to put pressure on Pakistan to get rid of terror outfits from within its borders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;The time has come for the world to act decisively against terrorism, and ensure that no terror group is assured of a secure haven in any part of the world,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

&quot;India deserves global support in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan, for if left unchecked, these individuals and groups would be attacking Europe and the West, soon. It is also important for the European Union to maintain pressure on Pakistan to eliminate the terror networks that operate within its borders,&quot; the Press Trust of India quoted him saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Czarnecki&#39;s further added that the surgical strikes carried out were&nbsp;&quot; probably a first by India&quot;, a retaliation after militants&nbsp;attacked an Indian army base in Uri, close to the Line of Control.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;We have witnessed the alarming growth of Pak-linked terror modules in Europe and other parts of the world. The close proximity between the Pak security establishment and terror groups has also given rise to a situation where organisations propagating Islamic militancy in Pakistan enjoy de facto state patronage,&quot; Czarnecki said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Ryszard Czarnecki praised India's 'proactive action' against militants and asked EU to pressure Pakistan to eliminate terror groups

The European Parliament's vice-president has lauded India's "proactive operation" against militants in India-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, Indian news agency PTI reported. Vice president Ryszard Czarnecki has been quoted as saying: "India's cross-border action against terrorists on its borders with Pakistan should be commended and supported by the international community. India has clearly indicated that these attacks were not against the Pakistani state, but focused against terror groups that threatened peace and stability in the region." Czarnecki's comments were published in the European Parliament's monthly magazine where he praised India's decision and called on the European Union to continue to put pressure on Pakistan to get rid of terror outfits from within its borders. "The time has come for the world to act decisively against terrorism, and ensure that no terror group is assured of a secure haven in any part of the world," he said. "India deserves global support in its fight against terror emanating from Pakistan, for if left unchecked, these individuals and groups would be attacking Europe and the West, soon. It is also important for the European Union to maintain pressure on Pakistan to eliminate the terror networks that operate within its borders," the Press Trust of India quoted him saying. Czarnecki's further added that the surgical strikes carried out were " probably a first by India", a retaliation after militants attacked an Indian army base in Uri, close to the Line of Control. "We have witnessed the alarming growth of Pak-linked terror modules in Europe and other parts of the world. The close proximity between the Pak security establishment and terror groups has also given rise to a situation where organisations propagating Islamic militancy in Pakistan enjoy de facto state patronage," Czarnecki said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

European Parliament VP lauds India's surgical strikes

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